Ljupco Samardziski’s painting Ode to Joy will be donated by the artist to the ‘cause’ of Malta’s bid as European Capital for Culture 2018.

First showcased in an exhibition of the same name at St James Cavalier in 2008, the painting will be donated by the artist to the 'cause' of Malta's bid as European Capital for Culture 2018.

The Macedonian artist - whose long career as both a painter and a musician spans the entire globe - has vowed to donate at least one painting to each country bestowed with the title of European Capital for Culture.

Ode to Joy, the chosen painting for Malta, is of course inspired by the classical piece of music by Ludwig van Beethoven, which also happens to serve as the anthem for the European Union.

"With this gesture I hope to contribute to the general feeling of goodwill and cultural unity that will hopefully be fostered with Malta's bid to become European Capital for Culture in 2018," Samardziski said.